Game show format and dinner to garner funds for Independence Day event

May 9, 2014

Ranson Civic Center is the location for an upcoming "Win It in a Minute" game show and dinner experience. Taking place on May 16, at 6 p.m., the event will feature five teams competing in amusing skits within 60 seconds to take home the title of "Champ."

Members of the local Jefferson County Fireworks committee, who work diligently each year to raise funds to continue the tradition of a family-style event at Sam Michael's Park complete with a pyrotechnic show to rival those seen in larger cities, have come up with the idea of pitting competitors not only against not only each other, but against the clock.

The idea, first presented by committee member Bill Roper, has five teams of five individuals facing off. The members of the teams, which include one team of firefighters, one team of police officers, one team of educators, one of local government officials and one to be chosen at random from the audience, will be given a challenge to complete in 60 seconds. Challenges, which will remain secret until they are announced at the competition, are all possible within the time frame, but doubtfully done without much laughter.

Set up as a dinner theater, attendees will be treated to pulled pork barbecue provided by Timber Ridge Barbecue. The company has agreed to provide the meal at no cost as a contribution in helping raise funds for the July 5 event to be held at Sam Michael's Park. Committee co-chairs Toni Milbourne and Jimmy Pierson have indicated that the push is on to raise the remaining several thousand dollars for the event. The elimination of the line item in the County Commission budget crunch which had provided $8,000 for the event has left the volunteers scrambling to recoup.

"Without the support of the community, we can't offer this free July event," Pierson said. "People don't realize the cost that goes into doing something this large."

Cost for the dinner and show is only $10. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at the Ranson Civic Center. In addition to the meal and entertainment, there will be a silent auction. Items for the auction are still be solicited and anyone wishing to donate something may do so by contacting Milbourne at 304-702-3026. She also has advanced tickets available for the dinner or they can be purchased online via Jefferson County Parks and Recreation at www.jcprc.org.